Audi say virtual exterior mirrors will be making their world premiere as optional equipment in the series-production version of the Audi e-tron prototype. The camera-based virtual mirror has a much lower, narrower profile than standard mirrors, reducing wind drag, noise, and vehicle width by 15 cm.
Each of their flat supports integrates a small camera. The captured images appear on OLED displays in the transition between the instrument panel and door. The virtual exterior mirrors can be adapted for various driving situations, thus potentially improving safety, Audi say.
Three views are available for motorway driving, turning, and parking. UN, Japanese, and Korean regulations already allow sideview cameras instead of mirrors; North American regulations still require mirrors.
Audi say the fully-electric prototype e-tron achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28 through a range of highly sophisticated aerodynamic elements, including the virtual exterior mirrors.
